NTSA Suffers Setback as Super Metro Claims First Round Victory
Super Metro’s fleet of matatus has been granted a crucial reprieve. The Transport Licensing Appeals Board (TLAB) has temporarily suspended the National Transport and Safety Authority’s (NTSA) decision to revoke their operating license.
This ruling allows Super Metro buses to resume operations immediately.
TLAB, under Chairperson Adrian Kamotho, issued an interim order. This order suspends NTSA’s decision, made on March 18, 2025. “Pending the inter-partes hearing of the Motion and the Memorandum of Appeal on Thursday, 27th March 2025, an interim order is hereby issued suspending the execution, enforcement, and operation of the decision made by the Respondent on 18th March 2025 (NTSA/C/RT/010/2VOL),” stated the ruling.
The board further clarified that “The suspension of the appellant, Super Metro Sacco Limited, as a PSV operator is hereby lifted. The appellant is at liberty to immediately resume operations in full compliance with the law.”
To ensure smooth operations, the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, has been instructed to facilitate the buses’ movement without police impoundment.
This decision comes after Super Metro filed a complaint with the Tribunal on March 21. They challenged NTSA’s suspension, arguing it was arbitrary and unjust.
The Sacco emphasized its substantial investment in meeting regulatory standards. They also warned that the suspension would severely impact their operations and the livelihoods of thousands.
Super Metro’s appeal highlighted that the suspension was based on assumptions and inadequate investigations. They disputed the validity of NTSA’s findings.
Previously, NTSA had issued a public notice on March 20, advising against using Super Metro vehicles. “This is to notify the public that the Authority has suspended Super Metro Limited’s operator license until the Company fully complies with the Public Service Vehicles Regulations, 2014, and other set conditions,” the notice stated.
Traffic police were directed to impound any Super Metro vehicles operating against the suspension. NTSA cited that out of Super Metro’s 523 vehicles, 15 had expired inspection certificates, and eight had expired Road Service Licenses (RSL), posing a public safety risk.
The final decision on whether the temporary order will be made permanent rests on the tribunal’s ruling on Thursday, March 27.
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NTSA Suffers Setback as Super Metro Claims First Round Victory
